The Karnataka Government led by the Indian National Congress has come out to find a unique way to tackle the severe water crisis prevalent upon the state. The Congress Government is looking forward to increasing the water tariffs to meet the rising demand for water and get over the clutches of water scarcity in the state.
The Congress Government of Karnataka is all set to revise the Cauvery water tariffs after 13 years amid Bengaluru facing an escalating water crisis.
The proposed hike by the Karnataka Government aims to meet the rising demand for water, ensure sustainable operations of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), and address the board’s financial struggles.
Currently, domestic consumers are charged a minimum slab tariff of ₹7 per kilolitre, with the maximum slab tariff at ₹45 per kilolitre.
Non-domestic consumers pay ₹36 per kilolitre in the minimum slab and up to ₹60 per kilolitre in the maximum slab. The revised tariffs propose increasing the minimum non-domestic slab to ₹50 per kilolitre and the maximum to ₹87 per kilolitre.
BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasat Manohar has engaged Bengaluru’s MLAs and MPs, seeking their suggestions on the proposed hike. The board is in a dire financial situation, with 70% of water bills unpaid and labour costs increasing by 15%.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar justified the hike, stating that BWSSB’s financial survival hinges on the revision.
“Citizens scold us when water does not come, they hound us with messages and calls. Let anyone criticise me. I am going to increase the water tariff in Bengaluru or else we won’t survive,” Deputy CM Shivakumar said.
Bengaluru faces a daily water shortage of 500 million litres against the demand of 2,600 million litres. With over 6,900 out of the 14,000 borewells of the city has dried up, the situation of Bengaluru is concerning.
